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CEO is in tears, manager doesnt want to help a potential rival. so i say, screw it. and with little hassle negotiate an exit package. so im unemployed again. at a bad time of year as all the seasonal posts are filled.on the plus side. Im getting a new fan pic for the site soon and for those new readers who want to get the current tweaked archive head to

42b Tomako carefully hammered the shield round into the slender ovoid shape he desired, occasionally breathing upon it gently and making it glow coppery-orange. He felt a great deal of satisfaction at his work so far and seemed to have a natural talent for the feel of the metal. Between keeping the forge hot and one eye on his shield, he tugged out his scroll from beneath the table and looked them over once more with a fresh eye. Tapping a finger along the neckpieces and faceguard he had designed, it was clear that it was not going to work in this form so he turned to Desmond for advice. "Master," he asked quietly "How would you make this portion..." he circled the neckpiece carefully "...more flexible?" The master smith leaned over and peered at the design "ah...the Chanfron and Crinet," he muttered, "Well lad, the way you have it there, each piece is separate and split wide. You'll have to overlap them and yet still leave enough room to allow your neck to move properly else you'll have crossbow bolts being shot under them through the gaps" His thick burn-scarred fingers outlined a series of linked curved plates on the paper, charcoal acting an impromptu inking tool while Tomako watched and listened avidly. "Now I don't know how well your neck moves but you could also pad it a bit with sacking and leather to prevent it scratching when you twist from side to side" He got an amused glint in his eye before continuing, "Would you like to have a look at something the Saddler brought in earlier?" Tomako looked at him curiously and nodded as Desmond wandered over to the corner of the smithy and tugged the sheet off a large oddly shaped piece of leather and cloth. Tomako hurried closer to have a better look. "This is the saddle for James and his ...er... friend" Desmond muttered, going pink, as he had also heard the rumors of the source of strange nighttime noises. "The Saddler wants me to add some steel bracing and supports so the lad can tie himself into it if need be" Tomako grinned broadly and picked up the odd-looking lump. It was similar to a horse saddle but more curved and with wider leg-pieces. The underside was neatly padded and sewn so the saddle would not chafe or press too hard. It was somehow disturbing but he could not help wondering what it would be like to have a rider. Something in him said it was a debasement of dragon kind, yet another part whispered that two heads were better than one and two more arms with weapons or magic were not a bad idea either. He gave a mental snort, the situation would likely never arise for him, but he was pleased that James and Cill were pursuing the idea. "So have you tried it on Cill yet?" he asked curiously, hefting the saddle easily in his hands. Desmond shook his head ruefully, "Nay lad, the saddler only finished the stitching today, though it should fit perfectly as all the measurements were taken from her" "She could also just shrink herself to fit," added Tomako as an aside "it would be easy to adjust her size as I do here" Desmond went redder as he obviously followed this concept through to some avenues he did not really want to. "Is it that easy for her to do that?" "Oh yes, She is getting rather good at it..." Tomako replaced the saddle on its plinth and watched as Desmond picked out some good pieces of steel for handholds."Though she is still having some problems with becoming more human-looking for now" Desmond swallowed and shoved the tray with the steel towards the young dragon "heat those up for me will you," he murmured before turning away thoughtfully. Lord Duncan sat in his solar with a large tankard of ale in front of him, he couldn't help feeling that he could empathize with James now. He could not get the sultry gryphoness out of his head. What was going on? She had brushed against him, their eyes had met, and now he felt as if something was missing in his life. He idly drew patterns on the wooden tabletop with the spilt beer and thought hard. He knew she would return but he wanted her back soon. Tugging a piece of paper close he decided to put his promise into action and draft a notice on what to do if encountering a gryphon. He gnawed the end of his quill and then spat the bit of feather out in embarrassment before returning to his task. Several hours later James and Cill returned to their lair and flopped exhaustedly into the large bed. Marre's lessons had been exacting and the old blue had pushed them both hard in casting and rune work. Flopping an arm lazily over Cill's neck he leaned over and nibbled her ruffs teasingly knowing she enjoyed it. Cill sighed happily and relaxed into the caressing, everything seemed to be progressing well. She had the means to hide her form from this human female who had designs upon her mate an though she was a little uncertain as to how to treat this hated rival she promised herself that she would not harm her physically. So long as she behaved herself. All the time. James massaged his mate slowly, paying close attention to her soft groans and the tight muscles, glancing over at the bottle of oil on the shelf he grinned to himself as his promise to Shalla slid into memory. "I think I'll go and have a little chat with Tommy," he murmured to Cill "I think there is enough oil in there for one more use, then I'll have to get some more" Cill rumbled her appreciation as his hands slid over her tail gently "Make sure he knows how to please her..." James nodded as he slipped off the bed and stretched slowly, "I shall, then I'll be right back..." he promised, tickling the very tip of her tail as he stepped away to grab the pot. Cill rolled onto her side and let her eyes half-lid in a sultry, inviting manner,"see that you are...," her mental purr hinting in at pleasures to come. James grinned and tucked the oil jar into a pack, slinging it over his shoulder he slipped out the door and headed towards the barracks and mess hall. Tommy was sitting at one of the tables, his gaze faraway as he idly chewed at a drumstick. James tugged out a chair and sat down next to him with a grin. "Penny for your thoughts?" he asked the quiet man, taking a good look at him. There did seem to be a calmness there that had been absent before and perhaps a look of hope? Tommy grinned, "I'm not sure they're worth that much," he admitted and gestured with the remains of the drumstick "I've just been thinking about the last few days, it all seems like a dream" James nodded slowly and looked round, making sure they were alone. "I need to talk to you about Shalla," he said quietly. Tommy flushed, slowly looking nervously around "here?" he murmured. "If you like" replied James "It seems quiet enough " "I think so," agreed Tommy, his face growing redder in the reflected light from the fire but having nothing to do with the heat. "Do you really think she likes me?" James grinned broadly, "Oh I think she does...in fact, I've been given strict instructions about what to tell you" he shifted the pack off his shoulder and onto the table. Tommy blinked "But what about her parents?" he asked nervously "I wouldn't want to get on the bad side of them" his eyes flicking curiously towards the pack. Sighing James decided to tell Tommy the facts, as he knew them. "Shalla and Tomako have both left their home lair. Shalla because she did not like the male they had chosen for her and Tomako as he wanted to protect his sister and also because he wanted to learn more about smithing and fighting" Tommy nodded slowly "I think I understand there was a lot of tension between them and their parents" He rubbed the stubble on his chin thoughtfully, "But why come here?" James hid a smile "Well, they knew Cill and Shalla thinks you are very nice and wants to get to know you better" he patted the sack on the table meaningfully. "She does? But I don't know...I mean....I've never ...not with a dragoness" Tommy gabbled rapidly as he stared at the sack "What is in there anyway?" he asked, trying to head off the embarrassment. James smiled "something to help you both relax when together" Tommy spread his hands helplessly "What do I do? I've been with a human woman...but ..." he trailed off as James continued to grin at him. "Just relax and be yourself, Shalla is also inexperienced at this so she is just as nervous as you are, Take it slowly and don't expect too much at this stage" he thrust the sack into Tommy's nervous grasp. "What you need to do is this...," he murmured, and over the next twenty minutes and with the occasional interruption from an astonished Tommy, he explained the basics of pleasuring a dragoness with detail that surprised not only him but Tommy also. After the lecture and questions James leaned back in his chair "So now do you feel a little more confident?" he folded his arms on his chest and smirked at the wide-eyed Tommy. Sitting with his mouth open and hands trembling on the sack Tommy nodded slowly, "I think so...," he admitted, then something of the older Tommy seemed to assert itself in his attitude "But why are you telling me this? Why are you helping me? James sighed and decided to be honest with the man "Shalla needs you. She needs a friend and a mate. If you feel that you can be both to her, we will help you as much as we can. If you just mean to use her and then discard her..." he let the sentence trickle off into silence. Tommy seemed taken aback at the statement "No, no, Ever since I met her, I've thought of nothing else. I want to be near her and hold her and ..." flushing, he clutched the sack to his chest, embarrassed at blurting out his emotions. "Good" replied James "Because she can read your mind and you will be able to read hers. You won't be able to lie to her nor she to you. You will become partners and mates and linked to one another in a powerful bond, Will you be able to accept that?" Tommy sat very still as he digested this information. "Will it be like you and Cill?" he asked quietly. James nodded slowly "We are never separate from one another now, it is unlike anything I ever imagined and I would not give it up for the world" Tommy's face broke into a broad smile, "If I could be as happy as you then I will do anything for her. I want her to be happy" Standing up James grinned and clapped him on the shoulder "Then go to her my friend...she is waiting for you" Tommy stood slowly and hefted the sack "Thank you James," he murmured "If there's anything I can do for you, just ask" he held out his hand and James grasped it eagerly "let me tell you where to find her first" James quickly described the path to the old lair for him and Tommy strode from the mess determinedly heading towards the dragoness he desired. Grinning broadly, James stepped out of the mess and back towards his own house, feeling that special warmth one gets from helping someone achieve their dreams. Tomako slid the finished shield carefully over the coals to cool slowly as instructed he watched the color change gradually as it slowly dimmed from its furious red glow through umber and orange and finally to the heavy purple he'd been instructed to watch for. Plunging the shield swiftly into a trough nearby he held it there until the clouds of steam and noise had dispersed. Tugging the shield from the trough, he examined it critically. It certainly looked ready, cool and slippery with the oily sheen of case-hardened steel visible on the surface. Taking a handful of polishing sand, he diligently scrubbed the surface until it was shining brightly. He took pride in this first attempt and wanted to present it to Desmond as soon as he could. He glanced up at the sky, reckoning the time. He had decided to let Shalla have several hours to do what she had in mind and from his view, he still had plenty of time left before it got too dark. Tomako was admittedly having problems with a human courting his sister. She may have been annoying and with a thin grasp of the reality of life due to her sheltered upbringing, she was still family and he could not help feeling she was selling herself short. He tidied up the smithy slowly, putting all the tools back onto their racks and sweeping up. Ronald had long since gone home and Desmond was enjoying a quiet pint in the mess hall after working on several swords all day. Letting out a sigh, he found himself at a loss for what to do next. The troughs were full, the smithy was clean and his shield sat proudly on the bench next to the sword stand, glowing in the sunlight. Giving it one last buff with a cloth, he stepped out into the late afternoon. He glanced over at the storehouse where his keen hearing picked up various interesting sounds that made his human form flushed in the face. Would his sister soon be doing that with her human? Allowing himself to drift idly towards the mess, he wondered at his own prospects, admittedly he was not a great fighter - yet - he mentally added, nor was he exceptionally well endowed as a dragon, which was what all his friends said counted to a female. Pushing the door open he stepped inside and was welcomed over by Desmond and several novices, a jack of ale was thrust into his hand and he was sat firmly down in a chair to join in the conversation. Though still slightly overwhelmed with the recent events he found himself relaxing in the strange company of humans. A small part of him was able to sit and observe them and he found himself almost envying them. They had short lives for sure, but they lived them as best they could and in good company. He eagerly tucked into a large plate of roast beef that suddenly appeared in front of him, completely missing the grins on his companions faces as the buxom serving girl paused and scrutinized her newest customer with rather more care than usual before swishing back to the kitchen, a curious smile on her face. "So Boy", Desmond said, belching noisily and banging his mug on the table. "You have finished your shield?" Tomako nodded eagerly "Yes Master, I followed your instructions and I think it came out well" he cautiously followed suit and drank a little of the beer, finding it similar to that he had tried at home when his father wasn't looking. "Good!" exclaimed the tipsy smith "we shall have to celebrate this accomplish..plish...ment" , attempting to focus his gaze rather more firmly. Tomako helped himself to several slices of beef as he wondered what the man was talking about. There did seem to be an air of anticipation around the room and he wondered what for. The other humans seemed willing to let the smith continue in his broken explanation. "Y'see..lad..theresh a trad..tradit...thing..when a novice smith completes his firsht work..kind of a rite of passage shee?" Tomako shifted nervously in his seat. He knew all about rites and oaths, and more importantly, how they could backfire. "And what do I have to do?" He asked, his gaze taking in the room. There didn't seem to be any magical equipment, altars or symbols anywhere. The Smith gave him a broad slow wink "Well lad...itsh shomething quite pleasant, but you'll have to go and ashk young Sally there about it" gesturing with his jack he thrust it in the general direction of the buxom serving girl that had brought in the meat. This statement met with loud guffaws and covert glances towards the lass, who obligingly folded her arms beneath her breasts, lifting them up a little more. Tomako found his face flushing of its own accord and wondered why, there were also several other disquieting things happening to his body. He knew that the form one took often-shaped ones thinking and instincts but he was at a loss at how to understand what these meant. "Why not go with her and see what she can show you lad," hinted Desmond. His grin now stretching ear-to-ear. Tomako slowly stood up and wandered over towards Sally "Er..hello" he muttered, feeling the hot stares of the other men on his back. Sally, or "Bouncing Sally' as she was known to most of the menfolk in the keep looked her latest prospect up and down with a grin. "My, yer a shy one aren't ya" she said, taking into account his obvious youth and inexperience. "I'm supposed to ask you what it is a new smith is supposed to do when he finishes his first work" Tomako said miserably, wishing James were there to help him in this cultural maze. "Oh that's an easy one," replied Sally, "come upstairs and I'll show you" Taking the unresisting Tomako by the hand and flicking a saucy wink to the rest of the men at the table, she led the hapless young dragon towards her room. Duncan put the quill down and looked at the parchment, reading it once more before sanding it to dry. His fingers drummed on the table restlessly as he wondered just what he was getting into here. This proclamation, not only admitting to the existence of gryphons but also allowing them hunting rights in what was considered the king's forests would land him in trouble once it reached court. What was he to do? There were too many things going on and he felt as though he was clinging to a runaway horse. Leaning back in his chair he rubbed his neck, suddenly aware of that sense of heat he had felt earlier. "er...hello?" he said quietly, feeling foolish in case it was nothing. There was a gauzy-winged blur and suddenly a greenish fairy appeared in front of him and landed upon his desk. He peered down at her, noting she seemed to be armed. She did seem nervous but also determined not to show it. "Oh.... Er Jasmina isn't it?" he murmured quietly after recognizing his visitor, amazing how blasé he had become, he thought to himself. As if such things were a common occurrence! Jasmina bowed fluidly "Good eve Sir" she said in reply "I trust you are well?" Duncan nodded "I am well, I hope you have not had any trouble here?" he leaned down to look at her a little more closely "An interesting uniform" he murmured. Jasmina flushed and gave a little twirl. "It is the herald uniform" she said eagerly. "It is a great honor" She peered at him over at the parchment and quill "you do look a little tired though," she stated honestly. Duncan nodded slowly "There is much to do, I have written the proclamation allowing the gryphons to hunt unmolested and be treated with respect" he sighed and leant back once more. "But there is the matter of Cill and James' marriage, not to mention the fact that we now have a young dragon learning smithing" Jasmina blinked "A dragon working cold iron?" she asked, a tone of horror slipping into her voice. "Why?" Duncan frowned, his brow ridging "I'm not sure, the master smith is certainly pleased with him though." He picked up the quill and toyed with it idly, letting the feather run through his fingers slowly. Jasmina made a mental note to pass this tidbit onto lord Pepper, Dragons usually avoided menial work and this was certainly out of the ordinary behaviour for one. "Is there anything you would like me to pass along to his majesty?" she asked, noting how the humans' eyes seemed to take on a faraway look as he played with the feather. "Or to Lady Katreen?" she added, trying out a suspicion and grinning to herself as he seemed to suddenly refocus. "Um... er well you could pass on a copy of this to her...," Duncan stammered, rolling up the parchment "and that I look forward to meeting her again soon" he felt himself flushing and inwardly groaned. "I shall do that at once, Sir" Jasmina replied, unable to prevent her gaze from flicking downwards. "If you wish I shall ask her when she will return?" she added, feeling herself flush at the thoughts that flew into her mind unbidden. "That would be excellent, thank you Jasmina," Duncan said with a small cough and a shuffling in his chair. "I suppose this must all seem very strange to you," he added with a sigh. Jasmina sat herself on a convenient corner and nodded, folding her legs "it is certainly odd for us to find a human and a dragon living as a mated couple and we haven't spoken to humans for centuries" She adjusted her bow unconsciously. "I suppose I don't need to ask why," Duncan said glumly "it seems everything is either scared of us or angry at us. It is discouraging to realise we have done this out of ignorance" Jasmina frowned up at him "Many fairies have been killed or caught by humans, but we don't hold you responsible. You have been well mannered and honest so far. I hope you remain that way" Duncan nodded "I hope so too. I don't know if others will feel the same way about gryphons or dragons though" he tapped the parchment on his knee slowly "I am sure there will be a few hunters and farmers who will argue with me" Taking a deep breath Jasmina decided to test something out, she had a feeling that this human would be very important in the future and that she could trust him. "Did...did you feel something when you met lady Katreen?" she asked quietly, her eyes intent on his. Duncan sat very still and thought, his mind whirling and considering his response before slowly nodding "Yes, I did... I think she felt it too, when we touched it was like we had known one another all our lives, as if two had become one." Jasmina nodded slowly "There are more forces at work here than we suspect I think" Duncan stiffened "Magic? Someone used magic on me...us?" he asked suspiciously. Jasmina shook her head emphatically "No, we did not attempt anything as it would have been very bad manners. She stood up and paced along the edge of the table slowly. "Not to mention Lady Cill would have detected it and been very much put out with us." Duncan leant back in his chair "So then - what do you think it is?" he did not add that he didn't care if it was magic or not. He was an uncomplicated man that went with his gut feelings and his gut wanted to see more of Katreen. Jasmina shrugged "Destiny?" she said carefully "something that is meant to happen now and for a particular reason. It also begs the question, what else is yet to happen?" The pair exchanged uneasy glances "So what do you suggest I do?" asked Duncan finally. Jasmina slowly stood up and stretched, "Just do what you would normally do, If it is destiny then nothing will stop it" she gave a naughty grin "I'll just go and find Lady Katreen then..." After giving a low bow, she flitted up into the air and out the window slit before Duncan could respond. Sally led Tomako to one of the unoccupied rooms above the mess, furnished with only the bare necessities, a pale straw pallet lay upon the bed and a washing basin stood on a rickety table by the open window slit. "Well now..." she said, smiling at the nervous young dragon, who suddenly realised he was trembling a little, though not from fear. "You want to know how a proper smith celebrates his first work?", Her eyes trailed down him slowly, he was in fine shape, she thought, well muscled and yet with an odd innocence that made her feel somewhat maternal. Tomako nodded "Is it some sort of ritual?" he asked, swallowing nervously as she approached him, his keen sense of smell picking up scents that confused and yet aroused him. Sally smiled and let her hands slide slowly down his sides, clasping him lightly "Of a sort" she said, one hand moving to tug upon his breeches "but you have to take these off first" she said, feeling them loosen easily. Tomako's breathing grew rapid and shallow, he felt all sorts of strange sensations and emotions from his human form as it responded eagerly to Sally's delicate touch. "Oh?" he replied weakly as his trousers fell to the floor, "a-and then what?" Sally gently hefted the sizable manhood she had found with a smirk "and then you lie back and enjoy this" She stroked him up and down slowly, gently teasing him as he stood swaying back and forth, lost in the feelings. Tomako let out a groan of pleasure at the caress, never having felt the intimate touch of another dragon, let alone a human, the sensations amplified through the glamour. He resolutely tightened control on his mana, then felt it wobble wildly as something warm and wet slid over the head of his shaft, he looked down in alarm -she was trying to eat him! - then her mouth slid back and forth again and he let out an unexpected growl of pleasure, his hands automatically finding her head and stroking along her hair. Sally felt a little confusion, the penis in her mouth seemed a lot hotter than the others she was used to and it also seemed to be growing larger, the growl sent sensual shivers down her spine and she diligently used her tongue around the crown of his shaft to coax him towards a climax. She was well experienced at this and Desmond and the others had paid her to help initiate the young smith into manhood. This time was just a small taste of what would be store after his next piece was finished. Desmond was a firm believer in rewarding effort. He and the other men downstairs were quietly discussing the assumed progress of the 'initiation' happening upstairs and had their ears strained for any noise they could use to embarrass the new smith with once he returned. Tomako's hips rocked automatically as he felt himself swelling inside Sally's mouth, leaning over her back as she did her best to please him, he couldn't help rumbling in pleasure, a small jet of flame dancing in front of his lips as he felt his insides tense. An icy tingle built at the base of his spine and an urge he could not put a name to growing in his loins made him shudder in bliss. Sally suddenly gagged on the shaft, surely it wasn't normal! It had at least doubled in size and girth yet she couldn't stop attacking it with gusto. She could tell when a man was about to come and this one looked like a gusher, clasping the base with both hands she tugged vigourously at the root of it, a sudden smell of burning made her briefly wonder if she had left something on the stove downstairs. Tomako's knees wobbled as he felt his muscles bunch and tighten, holding the young female in place he groaned loudly as his shaft began to pulse heavily, the young dragon's thick seed not so much spurting as gushing. He closed his eyes in bliss as the sensations rippled through his body, blotting out the muffled complaints from below. Sally was amazed, as Tomako's shaft grew even larger and hotter; eager to see what would happen next she eagerly suckled upon the tip and suddenly found herself locked in place by his grasp as bolt after bolt of thick semen jetted into her mouth. Unable to swallow all of it she tried backing off to let it escape but to no avail, only by pushing frantically at his thighs was she finally able to break free of the torrent as it splashed over her breasts, belly, floor and walls. She looked up astonished at the glazed expression of the human-dragon as he panted heavily in relief. Looking down at herself, she stared at the sheer amount of seed everywhere. Usually a small towel would suffice to clean up but this...she would need a mop and bucket! Tomako sat down abruptly upon the pallet, his expression of shock coupled with pleasure. "I- I like this ritual!' he managed to stammer out, refocusing his gaze on Sally who stared at him in disbelief. Downstairs the men all guffawed at the noises from above, noting everything from the loud groans to the muffled complaints. Desmond tipped the last of his ale down and smiled to himself. This partnership was going to be good. Hefting the pack containing the oil bottle over his shoulder, Tommy felt his confidence falter a little, despite being educated by James he still felt uncertain. What if she wasn't really interested in him that way...or they were just playing a joke on him? Making his way towards the lair, he passed the lake, noting the cloudiness of the water and wondering at the cause, pausing briefly he skirted the edge and looked for the trail towards the cliffs in the distance. James had seemed sincere and had no reason to lie to him though. Tommy found his head full of questions and doubt as he approached the sheer cliff face eagerly. There was no sign of any cave. He sat down on the grass in disgust and thought about how they must be laughing at him back in the mess. Hefting the pack off his back, he examined the oil jug and briefly contemplated smashing it so he wouldn't have to carry it back. His emotions were confused and he was about to stand up and leave when he felt an odd tingle in his head that jerked him upright. A subtle yellowish glow showed in an outline on the cliff face, he stood up slowly and moved towards it, looking for a source. Tentatively raising his hand he pressed his palm at the seemingly solid cliff-face, where with a surprised exclamation his hand disappeared into the rock. Shocked he pulled it back as if he had been burnt, and looked at it in amazement. It didn't seem to have suffered any harm. Backing away slowly from the mysterious wall, he reached down and picked up the pack with the jug. Nothing for it, he thought to himself and after clearing his throat quietly asked "Hello?" There was a moment of uncertainty as nothing happened, then as if it had been there all along there was suddenly a hole in the cliff - neatly outlined as if a door had swung open, which in a way, it had. He was debating with himself about whether he should walk unarmed into a dragon's lair when Shalla appeared in the doorway. He noted with concern that her yellow eyes were bloodshot as if she had been weeping and her normally carefully painted talons were bare of decoration. Shalla did not know what to think when the small human walked up to her and silently hugged her tightly around the neck, she tensed at first then relaxed as his hands stroked slowly along her neck, she carefully lowered her paws and hugged him back gently. She choked back a sob and shook against him while he comforted her, tears running unashamedly down her snout. Tomako had recovered somewhat from his experience and after being helped back into his breeches and sent out of the room by Sally, who was still somewhat stunned by the copious emissions of the young dragon, made his way back downstairs to the table of chuckling men. He knew something momentous had just happened and though it wasn't a full mating with his own kind he felt...something... He did not know what it was but he felt stronger, exhilarated. In short, he wanted to fly, to tear up trees and roar defiance at the world. Desmond grinned broadly at him as he, somewhat unsteadily - made his way back to the table and sat down on the rough wooden chair. "So Lad" he said, pouring out another jack of ale and setting it front of Tomako "I think you passed your test with flying colors", the other men nudged one another in the ribs and chuckled at the young man's expression. "Th-that was amazing" said Tomako, taking a deep draught of the ale, his eyes wide and hands shaking a little as he placed the jack back down. He felt hot and had the odd sensation that his skin did not fit his body properly. "I-I feel..." he burped gently and stood up "I-I need some fresh air..." he stammered and staggered outside, followed by the raucous laughs of the men. The moon had risen and he felt better as the cool air brushed over his skin. A quick flight should cool him off and calm these feelings in his heart and body, he thought, making his way towards the bailey where he shrugged into his normal form with relief and flapped up into the starry sky. Osedax lay quietly on his lounger, it wouldn't be long now, he thought to himself. Trying to lose himself in a scroll, he focused on the spidery writing and sighed gustily. He had, by dint of sheer hard work and effort over centuries, managed to forge the clan into something approaching a family, with all the attendant faults and fights that naturally occurred when things went awry. He felt rather than heard the angry arrival outside his chambers and shook his head at the insults and epithets being spat at his secretary. Deciding to see what happened he waited patiently, listening as the raving Divitchka outside deflated like a leaky bladder in the face of the steadfast refusal of the secretary. "But I must see the Clanmaster!" came the roar "It is a vital matter of honor and the clan, will he squat there like a toad under a rock while our traditions and customs are trampled on?" Osedax frowned to himself, quietly marshalling his arguments. The canny wyrm preparing himself mentally for the confrontation. He was not afraid of Divitchka and in fact could best him in a duel easily, even at his advanced age, but it was unseemly to do so outside of a formal challenge and the drake had family, even if temporarily separated by necessity and circumstance. Hauling himself to his feet, he assumed a suitably irritated expression and swung the door open. "What is the meaning of all this racket, Divitchka?" he asked patiently, "I do not appreciate being woken up by your caterwauling" Divitchka gaped at him before recovering "Clanmaster - My son and daughter have run off, defying our wishes and tarnishing my honor. Rumour has it that my son was last seen keeping company with the human male" he spat the last words out as if they were toxic. "This mating between him and Cidiliana should be exposed as the sham it is!" A large fist struck the table powerfully, making the secretary jump. "This human has spread his corruption to my family, even to the point of breaking it apart!". Osedax couldn't help feeling a little sympathy for the councilman, he was being faced by an unfamiliar situation and was at a loss as to what to do, so when confused he wanted to spread it around a lot, however, there was the small issue that he had told Tomako about that he wished to be clear on. "Calm yourself Councilor", he said quietly, stressing the last word. "Please, come in and we shall discuss this civilly" Turning to his secretary, he made a sign that he was not to be disturbed and then stepped back into his chambers, followed by the angry Divitchka. "Sit councilor," he said shortly, indicating the spare lounger with a languorous talon before taking his own with a sigh of relief. Grumbling quietly to himself, Divitchka did as he was bid, trying to regain his composure. "So why do you blame your hatchlings truancy on the human and Cill, councilor?" Osedax asked patiently, watching the others body language. "They are the cause of many of the latest ... ideas," Divitchka said, his ruffs pinkening as he realised he lacked anything more solid than a suspicion "Ideas that pose a threat to our way of life and traditions!" He leaned forward conspiratorially "The females have already been corrupted; seeking to put themselves forward, defying us... even my mate has fallen prey to this abomination" Osedax nodded slowly "how so?" he asked, knowing full well the revolution that had been going on between the sexes recently and laughing his head off at it. Divitchka flushed again, "My mate ignored my instructions and invited the drake we had chosen for our daughter to visit the lair. As you know this meeting usually takes place at the bonding ceremony itself" Osedax nodded, this was indeed usual. "I have spoken to Lagaligo" continued Divitchka,"who I am told was the soul of civility itself during the meeting, shortly after his arrival however, my son left briefly then returned. He and my daughter told my mate they were going to the traders. But they have not returned and I am unable to contact either of them." Some of Divitchka's true feelings emerged, making him clench his paws into fists. "I have kept their leaving from Lagaligo as it would be a mortal insult to him if he found out. My mate denies knowing where they have gone but I suspect the humans have filled her head with nonsense too" Osedax sat and listened, everything seemed to have happened as he suspected. At least the hatchlings were safe. "Has Nakkour ever met the human? Has your daughter met humans?" he asked, leaning forward "I can tell you now that those two had little to do with your family's departure" Divitchka's eyes narrowed dangerously as a worm of suspicion began to gnaw at him. "As you know, arranged marriages are not accepted by all. Your daughter is of age and free to make her own decisions, is she not?" Divitchka's talons tensed on the lounger, he could sense which way this was heading. How did he know? How had he found out? They had been so careful! "She has been brought up to respect her fathers wishes and keep the family honor and until recently was very happy to do so" he growled. "If she does not return soon, I shall publicly disown her, she shall be clanless and outcast" Osedax shook his head "Which will solve nothing" he said shortly "Your intentions as to your choice of Lagaligo as mate were quite disturbing to many, as you are undoubtedly aware of his reputation" Divitchka grunted "baseless rumours" he said, but flicking his gaze away from the Clanmaster. "As are yours towards Cill and James" retorted Osedax, pounding a fist on his lounger, making the councilor jump nervously. "I'll tell you what happened. Tomako came to me distraught and fearful, his sister was terrified and he had found out about Lagaligo's little fancies." Divitchka gripped the edge of his lounger firmly, gouging the heavy wood irreparably "You told him to leave?" "I did no such thing - I asked him to consider all the options and choose his actions carefully. It says much that he chose to run with his sister rather than talk to you" Divitchka uncurled his tail slowly and lifted his bulk from the lounger, Osedax watched him carefully as he did so. "They have stained my honor and that of the clan" Divitchka growled, "I shall hunt them down and punish them for that." He tried to control his thoughts as they buzzed violently in his head, trying to hide them from the Clanmaster's powerful mind. "I warn you to cease this senseless vendetta, councilor" Osedax said quietly, "and cease these attempts to locate Cill and her human also," These last words said as if hammered into a board, one by one. Divitchka stiffened, then with an obvious effort at control, swept out of the chamber. Osedax let out a silent breath of relief, anger was a powerful amplifier and he could feel the councilor's rage as it oozed from every scale. He slipped over to his pantry where he made a pot of his calming tea, his paws shaking a little. Divitchka felt as if he was going to burst, he wanted to roar and flame and teach his errant offspring to respect their betters even if it meant flaying them to within an inch of their lives. How dare they disobey him! He struggled to gain control before porting back to his home. At least his mate was faithful he told himself. He found the air in the lair was cold, the fires had gone out and several items had vanished from their accustomed places on the wall. Feeling a deeper cold chill his heart, Divitchka trudged from room to room, calling, calling. Finding several kegs of his hoard missing, he finally realized he was alone in the lair. No family. He had not expected this, how could it happen to him? The sense of betrayal hit him hard and he let out a tearing roar of sadness and loss. Running into the main room, his gaze whipped around, the drops of blood struck from his mate stood bright and accusing upon the floor and he knew with certainty she would not return. The sadness disappeared under a red flood of rage; he screamed his defiance and raked the glowing walls savagely with his talons, precious gems shattering like crystalline tears upon the floor. The human and his whore would pay for this! Shalla and Tommy stood quietly hugging one another for several minutes; she could feel some of her fathers' rage leaking through the barriers she had raised and knew he had discovered their absence. She shuddered against Tommy and clutched him closely, feeling his concern for her bright in his mind and entwining it with hers. Taking a long breath, she walked with him back into the lair, the brief yellow flash obscuring their passage and leaving the appearance of a solid wall once more. Shalla sat herself down slowly upon her rough bed, very different from the comfortable pelts and fur of her home chambers. Tommy held onto her paw firmly and stroked the back of it as she calmed down. "What happened?" he asked quietly, waiting for he to recover her composure, obviously it was something to do with her family he thought to himself. Shalla let out a sniff, the sound echoing around the lair. "Y-you were right" she murmured quietly, her eyes downcast. "I was?" replied Tommy, wondering what he had said to her, "Is this about your father?" Shalla nodded slowly, she loved her father in her own way and finding herself to be nothing more to him than a bargaining chip to be given away was painful. "He was going to have me mated to an old dragon called Lagaligo" she sniffed, and told him the whole story, occasionally taking deep gulping breaths as her tears ran freely. Tommy sat and listened, realising that he was in part responsible for this, he had seeded doubts in her mind about the wisdom of her parents and the rightness of family honor. He felt a sudden surge of guilt and wondered how he could help without worsening the situation. Seating himself a little closer to her, he held her head against his chest and stroked her neck lightly, feeling her slow heartbeat against his fingers as he caressed beneath her jaws. Shalla's breathing slowly calmed and she let out a soft rumble of pleasure as she began to relax against him. "So what will you do now?" he murmured to her when she had finished her tale, running his hands along her neck to cup her chin and bring it up so he could meet her gaze. "I want to help" Shalla's wings twitched in a sort of half-shrug "I don't know" she said "but Tomako and I will be declared outcast and clanless if I know my father" "What does that mean?" asked Tommy, his hands sliding down her chest almost of their own accord, his gaze still on hers. "It means..." purred Shalla, leaning forward into his caress "That I shall be outside clan protection or laws...I wont be able to attend clan gatherings or talk to the elders - at least until my father relents" She did not say that she thought her father would sooner have all his fangs pulled one by one before rescinding any such declaration. "That doesn't sound fair" replied Tommy, suddenly becoming aware that he had inadvertently begun massaging both of her breasts, he froze for a moment then started moving again as she did not seem to be complaining. Shalla was feeling strange, light-headed and yet focused. She could feel Tommy's concern in his thoughts and in his gentle touch and it temporarily fused her usual responses. She was also coming to realise she did not need those responses anymore, not when she was safe and warm and... being stroked so deliciously, her heart began to thud in her chest and her nipples pressed eagerly into the warm palms cupping them. Her ruffs grew warm with embarrassment, what should she do now? Tommy felt the change in her breathing and heartbeat and paused briefly "Do you want me to stop?" he asked quietly, his eyes meeting hers once more. Letting out a small squeak Shalla shook her head fervently, her paws coming up to caress his back carefully, as if she was unsure how the gesture would be received. They were both nervous and being overly cautious, eager to not spoil the moment. Tommy smiled up at her "I don't think that's very fair", he said quietly, fingertips gently circling her nipples "You are very beautiful and can choose your own mates" he leant down and kissed each nipple delicately, suckling each teasingly before looking up at her once more "Are you going to be alright here?" Shalla's breath caught in her throat as delicious shivers of pleasure shot through her from the teasing, she felt a strange knot tighten and relax in her loins as her body echoed its need, her vulva winking beneath her. "I-I think so" she stammered, unused to the experience and sensations as she felt the gentle caress of a lover for the first time. "Tomako will be here...a-and you..." she finished, feeling herself relax properly for the first time in days. "You know I care for you", he murmured, bringing her snout down so he could kiss the tip of it. "I would hope that we could be more than friends" And there it was, Shalla could feel it, open and honest, it shone in his mind like a beacon and she embraced it gladly, shyly inviting him into her thoughts as he shared his with her, the couple unashamedly exploring their lives and emotions. He could feel her uncertainly and matched it with his own, comparing their mental differences and discarding them until only the physical barriers remained. Within the cramped confines of her wagon, Caroline struggled to make herself comfortable. She was just a day's short ride away from the keep and was already making plans as to what to wear and say. She pounded the rough pillow and lay on her back, her mind whirling with anticipation. What would he say? Would he spurn her? She looked up at the ceiling of the wagon, crudely decorated with stars and figures and tried to calm down. Dinner had been a rushed affair but filling and she could hear the low mutter of her guards through the door - which was tightly locked and barred to prevent amorous interruption. There was also an old saber hanging upon the wall and she looked at distastefully in the flickering light from the lantern. As if she would know how to use such a thing. Pulling the feather-filled comforter up beneath her chin she closed her eyes and tried to get to sleep. Outside, the guards chuckled at a shared joke and drew lots for the first watch, the rest wrapping themselves in broad cloaks and settling near the fire for warmth. The unlucky loser hoisted his sword onto his shoulder and prepared for several hours boredom. He yawned heavily as the sun set and his companions began the irritating synchronous buzzing that indicated sound sleep. Stifling another yawn he wandered in a slow circle around the camp, raising his legs up to keep awake and prevent stiffness. On his third perambulation around the clearing, he noticed the fire was getting low and hastened forward with some fresh wood. As he bent down to renew the wood, there was a spiteful buzzing sound that zipped over his head leaving a thick-shafted crossbow bolt vibrating in the tree before him. Throwing himself to one side, he was able to shout a brief warning before the second bolt caught him in the back. "Ware! Ware!.We. are..." he broke off with a gurgling sound and fell forward into the sod. The warning had been sufficient to arouse his fellows and they swiftly discarded their cloaks, hunting for the attackers. In the dimming firelight, it was difficult to make out the shapes lurking at the edges of the clearing but it was clear that they were outnumbered, and the sergeant realised with a shudder, they had crossbows too...or at least one. Reaching up he cautiously rustled a branch and a moment later, a blackened bolt was sticking from the tree. He gave a malevolent grin. Not too smart and nervous to boot. Something he could use. It would take time for the bowman to reload and crank and he took advantage of that pause to whisper urgently to the others. "One bowman", he hissed, "the rest will likely be armed with steel, they hoped to silence us quietly" He pointed at two of his men 'make a lot of noise over there...draw their fire, but try not to get hit, try and take them from behind" He indicated the woods to the left . The guards nodded and slipped away, their swords quietly drawn and faces intent. A large figure suddenly broke from the edge of the woods and ran towards the wagon, it was clear they were intending to unhitch and prevent any attempt at escaping. The sergeant hissed through his teeth and sprinted around to cut him off before he could damage the traces. The figure turned with a snarl as the sergeant launched himself forward, the pair smashing into the side of the wagon, rocking it back and forth. The burly ruffian stank of sweat and grease as he struggled to bring his sword to bear. Better trained and more experienced, the sergeant wasted no time, the outlaw suddenly feeling a violent pain in his thigh as a dagger ripped along the top of his leg, letting out a loud scream, he fell to the ground. Inside the wagon Caroline awoke with a start, the scream had rattled into her dreams and she sat up urgently, still hearing it ringing in her ears. There was a low gurgling moan from outside as the sergeant swiftly finished off the man with an expert stab to the heart. With trembling fingers, Caroline fumbled with a window catch, opening a small wooden slit that she could look from. "What's happening?" she asked plaintively. The sergeant kicked the man over and looked round "Stay My Lady!" he shouted. "There are outlaws here!" He could see more shadowy figures at the edges and knew his men were in desperate need. There was another distinctive buzz and the side of the wagon sprouted a sinister black shaft as the sergeant spun away into the darkness. Caroline let out a loud, involuntary scream and slammed the window shut before scrabbling back under her covers and trembling violently, her knees pulled up beneath her chin. Tomako closed his eyes and relaxed as he glided over the forest, he was still trying to analyse the feelings and events of the day when he heard a shrill scream coming from beneath him. Opening his eyes he could see a single spot of light in a clearing and the echoes of the scream rattled round his skull. He suddenly knew for certain that a female was in distress and focusing down, he could see several shadowy figures moving round the dim fire. He debated briefly with himself, he shouldn't get involved... he should be careful... but then he felt a surge in his blood and a roar of defiance coming to his throat as he realised that he had to help protect these woods now as well. Folding his wings neatly, he dived towards the fire. The outlaw wielding the crossbow sighed as he looked down at the sword protruding from his ribcage, the bow slipping from his nerveless fingers as it fell to the ground, firing its last bolt into the earth as the man collapsed upon it. The two guards had done well but now they faced the remaining five outlaws and backed up towards the fire, they looked desperately towards the grim faced sergeant who joined them, his sword still dripping blood. "What do we do Sarge" one hissed as he took in the encroaching men. "Put the fire between them and us" replied the wary sergeant, "We need some more wood to throw on it - it'll blind them for long enough for us to take out another at least" He was reaching down for another branch when there was a sudden powerful gust of wind - ashes and coals flew everywhere, forcing both guards and outlaws alike away from the fire. "What the hell was..." he began, when there was a loud 'Whhoooompf" and a huge rose of flame blossomed between them, scorching a blistering path from one side of the clearing to the other. Momentarily stunned, both groups staggered about blindly, trying to see the source of this mysterious incursion when with a loud, spine-chilling roar Tomako landed before them. Caroline whimpered in the wagon and tried to burrow even deeper at the horrible sounds she could hear, squeezing her eyes tight shut she tried to blot out the noise by jamming her fingers into her ears. As the smoke cleared, there was a mutual stunned silence as Tomako looked from side to side, he felt ready, and these puny humans would surely do what he told them to he thought to himself. The sergeant swallowed, blinking sooty tears away as he saw what had disrupted the fight, surely it wasn't possible. The two guards clutched one another in terror as they recognized the beast and froze in place. The outlaws also were terrified, but in some uncanny, instinctive manner the leaders gaze sought out that of the sergeant and nodded slowly - the silent message being 'truce?' The sergeant swallowed and thought fast, everyone knew what dragons ate, and there was a virginal noble lady in the wagon that was depending on him. Better to team up against the beast than fight before it. He nodded in return to the outlaw leader and drawing their swords, they both ran towards the dragon. . Tomako reared back in surprise "Hey!" he exclaimed, as both of the humans ignored him and seemed intent on attacking him instead! He could not prevent his instinctive reaction, his long tail lashing out at the onrushing pair and knocking them aside like ninepins. He watched in horror as both men flew through the air and landed with sickening thumps, the cracking of bone shockingly loud in the sudden quiet. After a shocked moment, the outlaws and remaining guards, having seen their leaders crushed in such an offhand manner, were having serious thoughts about their own mortality and backing away from the dragon slowly. Tomako's gaze flicked from the injured men to the ones still standing "oh..." he began, raising his paws in apology. The men saw the red glare of the fire reflected evilly in the dragons gaze and realising there was no escape, charged him all at once. In the wagon Caroline shook, tears running down her face as she tried to block out the screams but to no avail. She wrenched her gaze round to the large saber hung on the wall and with a desperate lunge, ripped it from its mount and held it out in front of her, watching the door intently. Tomako once more held up a paw to forestall the charge, hoping to make them pause so he could speak, but a desperately flailing sword nicked his palm, causing him to jerk it back violently. Unused to such pain he backpedaled a little but then something in him rose like a snake; he felt a red haze of anger surge in him. Stupid little humans! He was trying to help! Blood boiling with rage he swept his forepaw savagely before him, snatching the screaming outlaw up and squeezing until he felt his talons meet. Several of the remaining outlaws were trying to circle round behind him, to attack his vulnerable tail and spine, dropping his gory prize he spun round and lashed out with his hindclaws and tail, neatly decapitating one and gruesomely disemboweling two others. Both dropped to the ground in shock as their entrails spilt from their bodies and they soon followed their comrade into death. The last outlaw dropped his sword and ran shrieking towards the forest cover, leaping upon him like a dog on a bone, Tomako's jaws closed around him. The dragon shaking him violently from side to side until the outlaw soon shed arms, legs and finally head. Tomako was only dimly aware of the sullen echo of his father's rage trying to break through his barrier, but the flood of hot blood in his mouth drove all care away. He ran the last two brave guards down and crushed them in his paws before biting their heads off as a final insult. Rolling over upon his side, the badly wounded sergeant saw the beast finishing off his comrades and with a groan of effort, dragged himself towards his sword; perhaps he could yet wound the monster. Tomako panted heavily, his body trembling as the adrenalin wore off and he took in the scene of carnage he had created, the rage leaving his eyes as he released what he done. Gutted bloody corpses littered the ground and in the flickering light of the remaining fire he felt a terrible surge of guilt and shame. Letting out a tearing grief-stricken moan , he looked round frantically, what had he done? There was no reason for this. He had become a monster. Why had he done this? He could feel the echo of his father's desperate rage in the back of his mind and was still in the midst of panicking when with a gruesome grating sound, the sergeant's sword slid beneath his scales and deep into his thigh. Tomako let out a terrible scream at the pain, his head whipping round in agony and before he could prevent it, a gelatinous blue flame erupted from his mouth, enveloping the hapless sergeant and charring him to ashes in seconds. Falling heavily onto his side, Tomako wrenched the sword free from his thigh, throwing it to one side. Feeling blood pulsing strongly from the wound, he tried to staunch it with his paw but to no avail. Desperately he called on his mana, thinking how to stem the flow and he remembered that if he shifted back to human form, he would at least have a smaller wound to deal with. Concentrating hard he slid with difficulty into his familiar human shape, letting out another scream as the agony in his thigh almost made him pass out. The wound itself was a long livid tear along the side of his thigh and grabbing a torn piece of shirt from the ground, he bound it tightly, groaning at the pain and rocking back and forth in misery, sobbing noisily as he absorbed the terrible crime he had committed. He had killed innocent humans and worse still, he had enjoyed it. The pain in his thigh settled to a dull ache as the wound sealed and he lay there, shock and grief making him numb. In a few short moments he had ruined his life, no clan or female would have such a monster. Cill would send him away and his sister would hate him. He was unaware of the door of the wagon opening quietly and a shadowy figure stepping down and running into the forest.